(L-R) Singers Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach

A performer participates in the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony. Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach

Performers are thrown into the air during the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Ivan Alvarado

Performers participate in the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Damir Sagolj

Brazil's Neymar scores a penalty as Croatia's Stipe Pletikosa (C) tries to save it during the 2014 World Cup opening match between Brazil and Croatia at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Damir Sagolj

Croatia's Ivan Rakitic and Brazil's Marcelo fight for the ball during their 2014 World Cup opening match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Murad Sezer

Demonstrators build a barricade with a traffic sign during a demonstration against the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paulo during a protest against the 2014 World Cup, in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. Photo: REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Protesters face riot police during a demonstration against the 2014 World Cup in Recife June 12, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Yves Herman

Previous

Next

The 2014 Soccer World Cup in Brazil kicked off Thursday in São Paulo in a way guaranteed to warm most fans' hearts -- with a colorful, star-studded opening ceremony followed by a spectacular albeit controversial win against Croatia for the national team in the tournament's first game, while protests raged on outside during and after the event.

After stunning dance performances by 500 performers, a giant colorful ball in the middle of the stadium opened up to present rapper Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte on stage, who then performed “We Are One,” the official song of the 2014 World Cup.

After the opening ceremony, it was time for Thiago Silva’s men to spring into action and notch a win for the national side. Neymar, who has been the face of the Brazilian team in the lead-up to this World Cup, rose to the occasion and scored two goals to give his team a 3-1 victory over Croatia. Oscar, the attacking midfielder, scored the third goal for Brazil only minutes before the final whistle.

While it was mostly party-time in São Paulo, many people assembled outside the stadium to protest against alleged overspending by Brazil's government on the tournament, which they claim has diverted much needed funds away from services such as education, health and security. Earlier on Thursday morning, violence erupted in São Paulo when police clashed with protesters about seven miles from the Arena Corinthians stadium, CNN reported.